Hebrews 13:20-25 – Benediction, doxology and an after thought

To appreciate the benediction, we must see it in the backdrop of what the Hebrew believers were going through. They were facing mounting tension and increasing hardship and conflicts. This letter was written at a time when they were facing the impending persecution of Emperor Nero. Hence, the benediction would bring special assurance and comfort to them. This benediction is built on the foundation of three thoughts. Firstly, it has to do with the God of peace, secondly, it is based on the eternal covenant; and thirdly, it has to do with the Resurrected Shepherd.

He is the God of peace. Peace is the intrinsic nature of God. The author here was not merely talking about tranquility or serenity. He was also referring to the Hebrew’s understanding of the word, “shalom”. This word carries with it a sense of completeness, wholeness, and soundness. When His peace is with and in a believer, there is no trouble that can take him under. Then, He is the promise-keeping God, the God of the eternal Covenant. This Covenant was made, sealed and ratified with the precious Blood of Jesus, the Son of God. This promise is eternal; is here to stay, and is changeless. And finally, He is the Resurrected Shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:14), and also the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4) but here, He is presented not only as the Great Shepherd but also the Resurrected or Risen Shepherd. Hence, this Great and Resurrected Shepherd, in a position of power, is presently mediating on the believers’ behalf before God.

This Great Shepherd would now equip believers to do God’s will. The word “equip” is interesting. It means to prepare for use, or like a doctor setting a fractured bone right, or a fisherman mending his net. The writer wanted his readers to know that Jesus is able to fix all believers and make them perfect and complete in Him. Not only that, but He also enables believers to do the will of God. The reason He would do all these was to make the believers acceptable and pleasing in God’s sight. With that lofty benediction and exhortation, the author let out a doxological proclamation of praise to the Lord Jesus saying, “To whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 

The writer was concerned for the Hebrew believers and he added a few personal remarks. In verse 22, he urged them to accept this word of exhortation and not to reject them. This word exhortation gives the impression that this is more a sermon than an epistle. It is quite obvious that this exhortation was put together while Timothy was still alive. The way he put it here tells us that he ministered closely with Timothy in the Lord’s work. Here, he mentioned that Timothy would be released from prison soon. He was writing this epistle or exhortation to the leaders of the local church and the saints. The message he sent them was needful for all to hear, hence, he included “and all the saints”. The phrase, “Those from Italy” seems to make reference to Christians who had departed from Italy instead of believers who were currently living there. This being the case, the writer must have written this sermon from somewhere other than Italy. In verse 25, the writer closed with a final benediction and a prayerful wish that God's Grace, His divine enablement would be with his readers. What a rich heritage for us believers! Let do justice to it by living a life well-pleasing to God!